Last weekend, the Dovetail leadership team—Meri, Kristie and I, joined our dedicated board members, Gina Johnson and Sonoma Bates, for a special gathering centered around appreciation and community at the beautiful home of our board chair, Di Cullen.The event was a heartfelt celebration of the individuals who have shaped and strengthened our organization over the years. It was a chance to pause, reflect, and recognize the people whose passion and service have helped Dovetail grow into the thriving service-oriented organization it is today.
The day was filled with joy and connection. We enjoyed delicious food while participating in fun and thoughtful games designed to help us get to know one another better. These activities sparked meaningful conversations and new connections, reinforcing the spirit of collaboration and unity that defines our work at Dovetail. The sense of belonging in the room was truly inspiring, reminding us how powerful simple acts of appreciation can be. We were joined in celebration by our former finance manager, Cheryl Parker, who helped us so much prior to the pandemic. Amazing supportive family members Steve, Sandy, Patty, Rio, Clint, Caspian, and Sheila rounded out the celebration.
One of the most moving moments of the day was a heartfelt series of speeches honoring past board chairs Bill Rutledge and Annie Millar, former board members Debbie Fleischaker, Rachael Maves, and Clint Tripodi, and most notably, Dovetail founder Chuck Fisher, who is stepping into retirement. His legacy of leadership, vision, and kindness was celebrated with deep warmth and gratitude.
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We also recognized Di Cullen, our current board chair and fabulous party host, for her unwavering dedication to Dovetail Learning’s mission—and her husband and co-host Jim, who has graciously and skillfully taken on the role of managing our finances.
The celebration was a powerful reminder that community is not built solely through grand accomplishments, but through the steady care, commitment, and generosity of individuals over time. As we honored those who have shaped our journey, we were reminded that expressing appreciation not only pays tribute to the past—it helps build a stronger, more connected future.
After the party, the leadership team—joined by our spouses—retreated for a well-deserved day of rest and ocean healing on the central California coast. Away from the demands of decision-making and daily operations, we immersed ourselves in the restorative power of the sea, allowing the rhythm of the waves and the serenity of the coast to renew our spirits. It was a time not only for relaxation but for deep connection, reflection, and shared gratitude, strengthening both personal bonds and the unity of the team as we prepare for the journey ahead.
Warmly,
Emily and the Dovetail Team